Pittsburgh Wins Most NCAA Events for Any U.S. City in 2026-2028 Bid Cycle
Eight NCAA preliminary and championships events will be held in the City of Champions
PITTSBURGH – SportsPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Bid Committee today announced that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has awarded Pittsburgh eight NCAA preliminary and championship events spanning 2026 through 2028, including Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds and the National Collegiate Bowling Championship.
“All eyes continue to be on Pittsburgh as a top destination for sporting events,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “The team pulled together an extensive bid portfolio last year, and what makes our proposals stand out is the strong focus and support of our local community. We’re fortunate to have strong partnerships across the Pittsburgh Bid Committee, and we’re excited to continue our collaboration to bring these events to life. We can’t wait to welcome hundreds of thousands of athletes, families and fans from across the country to the City of Champions.”
Pittsburgh was awarded the following NCAA preliminary and championship events:
2026-2027
- 2026 Division III Women's Volleyball Championship
Host: Presidents’ Athletic Conference | Venue: UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse - 2027 Division I Men's Basketball First and Second Rounds
Host: Duquesne University | Venue: PPG Paints Arena - 2027 Division III Men's Basketball Championship
Host: Presidents' Athletic Conference | Venue: UPMC Copper Fieldhouse - 2027 National Collegiate Bowling Championship
Host: Duquesne University | Venue: AMF Lanes Mt. Lebanon - 2027 Division III Men's and Women's Soccer Championships
Host: Presidents’ Athletic Conference | Venue: Highmark Stadium
2027-2028
- 2028 Division II Wrestling Championships
Host: University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | Venue: Petersen Events Center - 2028 Division III Men's Basketball Championship
Host: Presidents’ Athletic Conference | Venue: UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse - 2028 Division III Men's Volleyball Championship
Host: Presidents’ Athletic Conference | Venue: UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
“We’re always excited for NCAA events to come to our city,” SportsPITTSBURGH Director, Sports Event Development Brady Inners said. “Sure, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re fortunate to have such strong partnerships with the NCAA, host institutions, venues and community – and we love to see the comradery Pittsburghers pride ourselves on amplified by these competitions.”
The Pittsburgh Bid Committee included representatives from seven host institutions, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, and five sports facilities.